Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you’re searching for pure comfort with an indulgent twist, Seafood Mac and Cheese is a creamy, decadent showstopper that will make any night feel like a special occasion. Imagine tender crab and succulent shrimp folded into rich, cheesy pasta, topped with a golden, crisp layer of panko and mozzarella. Every bite is a luxurious blend of sea-kissed flavor and classic homestyle warmth—a dish that truly feels like a hug in a bowl and is sure to impress whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this dish is rooted in a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each adding a crucial element—creamy tang, briny sweetness, irresistible crunch, or gooey melt. Here’s what you’ll need to build the ultimate Seafood Mac and Cheese experience.

• Dry macaroni (2 cups): The classic base for catching all that rich, cheesy sauce—elbow shapes work best, but any small pasta holds up well.
• Claw crab meat (6 oz): Tender, lean, and sweet, crab adds an unmistakable ocean brightness to every forkful.
• Shrimp (8 oz, peeled and deveined): Plump shrimp lend juiciness and a briny punch—use medium size for the perfect bite.
• Sour cream (8 oz): Adds a tangy depth and makes the sauce lusciously smooth when mixed with the hot pasta.
• Butter (4 tablespoons): For deepening flavor, sautéing, and creating a glossy roux for the cheese sauce.
• Flour (2 tablespoons): Essential for thickening the sauce, making it clingy and velvety.
• Spring onion (1): Delivers a gentle sharpness and fresh green pop throughout the dish.
• Evaporated milk (1 can): Provides creaminess without heaviness—a secret weapon for dreamy cheese sauces.
• Sharp white cheddar cheese (8 oz block): For bold, tangy cheese flavor that shines even with the savory seafood.
• Mozzarella cheese (4 oz block): Melts beautifully for that gooey, stringy, photo-worthy topping.
• Panko bread crumbs (¼ cup): The crowning touch for irresistible crunch—panko toasts up lighter than regular crumbs.
• Salt and black pepper, to taste: Season generously to bring out every nuance in the seafood and cheese.

How to Make Seafood Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by setting your oven to preheat at 350°F. Take a minute to clean and gently devein your shrimp, making sure you’re working with pristine seafood—this little bit of prep pays off big in flavor and texture later.

Step 2: Boil Pasta & Mix In Sour Cream

Boil your macaroni according to package directions until just al dente. Drain it well and, while it’s still warm, scoop it into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the sour cream right away—this is your secret to super-creamy noodles! The heat helps the sour cream coat every piece.

Step 3: Add Crab and Set Aside

Fold the claw crab meat gently into your creamy pasta, being careful not to break up those tempting lumps. Set this seafood-pasta mixture aside for a moment while you focus on the toppings and luscious sauce.

Step 4: Prep Cheeses & Spring Onion

Finely chop the spring onion and grate both the sharp white cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Fresh grating is worth the few extra minutes for the best melt and maximum flavor; pre-shredded just isn’t the same!

Step 5: Sauté Shrimp for Maximum Flavor

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in your shrimp and sauté until pink, opaque, and just cooked through—a few minutes should do it. Remove them, give them a rough chop, and stir into the macaroni mixture.

Step 6: Make the Cheese Sauce

Using the same pan, add the chopped spring onion and cook until softened. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly; cook for about a minute to make a roux. Slowly pour in the evaporated milk, whisking until the mixture is smooth, thick, and creamy. Stir in all the cheddar cheese and keep stirring until it’s completely melted and the sauce is silky.

Step 7: Combine & Season

Pour the molten cheese sauce over the pasta and seafood mixture. Add salt and plenty of fresh cracked black pepper—this is where you adjust for your perfect flavor.

Step 8: Top, Bake, and Serve

Transfer your Seafood Mac and Cheese into a greased baking dish. Scatter the mozzarella and panko bread crumbs evenly over the top for that irresistible crunchy-gooey finish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until bubbling and beautifully golden. Serve hot and bask in the aroma that fills your kitchen!

How to Serve Seafood Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

A flourish of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds color and a burst of freshness to each serving. For a restaurant-worthy touch, try a sprinkle of lemon zest or a grind of black pepper just before serving—these tiny details really do make your Seafood Mac and Cheese pop.

Side Dishes

This rich, creamy main loves the company of simple sides. A crisp, vibrant salad with a citrusy vinaigrette balances out the richness, while roasted asparagus or garlicky green beans echo the ocean vibes beautifully. Even something as basic as steamed broccoli feels special alongside your Seafood Mac and Cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Seafood Mac and Cheese up a notch by spooning it into individual ramekins for a dinner-party-ready starter. Or, serve atop toasted sourdough rounds for a comforting appetizer. For an unforgettable family-style moment, bring the bubbling casserole straight to the table in your prettiest baking dish and let everyone dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Seafood Mac and Cheese, transfer it to an airtight container within two hours of baking. Keep it refrigerated for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as they mingle, so don’t be shy about enjoying it for lunch the next day!

Freezing

Seafood Mac and Cheese can be frozen before or after baking, though the texture is best if you freeze it unbaked. Wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap, label, and store in the freezer for up to a month. When ready to eat, bake straight from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

To reheat, cover your leftovers with foil and warm them in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbling—about 20 minutes. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to go low and slow in short bursts to avoid overcooking the seafood.

FAQs

Can I use other types of seafood besides crab and shrimp?

Absolutely! Scallops, lobster, or even chunks of firm white fish all make tasty additions or swaps. Just adjust cooking times as needed to avoid overcooking your seafood.

What type of cheese works best in Seafood Mac and Cheese?

A blend of sharp white cheddar and mozzarella offers the perfect combo of tangy flavor and melty texture, but you can try Gruyere, fontina, or even a touch of parmesan for added nuance.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything in your baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. For best results, add the panko and mozzarella just before you pop it in the oven.

How do I prevent the sauce from getting grainy?

Using evaporated milk and making your cheese sauce slowly over gentle heat helps keep everything silky. Avoid high heat and always add cheese off the heat, stirring until it melts smoothly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written—because of the macaroni, flour, and panko—but it’s easy to swap in gluten-free pasta, a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend, and gluten-free bread crumbs for a dinner everyone can enjoy!

Final Thoughts

If comfort food had an elegant side, it would be this Seafood Mac and Cheese. Rich, creamy, and always a little bit impressive, it’s a dish you’ll come back to for celebrations or whenever you crave a treat. Give it a try and see how this classic-with-a-twist wins a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!

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